[ LETTER ]

Gun Owners Not Irrational

Published: Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 12:09 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 12:09 a.m.

I take exception to Andy Crossfield's characterization of gun owners as irrational ["County Commission's Failure on Background Checks for Guns Wrong," letter, Feb. 10]. While I do agree that the current craze of buying weapons and ammo is impulsive and self-defeating, it is not at all irrational.

In deference to our duly elected government which is duty bound to serve the interest of the people, history is replete with evidence of governments turning on their people as they use any excuse to justify tyranny. It is the responsibility of the people to hold them to their duty.

If it can't be done in a civil manner, then justice must be served by the power of the people as stipulated in the U.S. Constitution. No people can hope to defeat a tyrannical power with words alone. The framers of the Constitution knew this firsthand. That is why the original version of the Constitution was amended repeatedly after it was ratified.

We, the people, are the last stand against tyranny. This condition was established by design in accordance with the laws of nature. There is nothing irrational about self-preservation, and there is no greater honor than that attributed to a patriot.

<p>I take exception to Andy Crossfield's characterization of gun owners as irrational ["County Commission's Failure on Background Checks for Guns Wrong," letter, Feb. 10]. While I do agree that the current craze of buying weapons and ammo is impulsive and self-defeating, it is not at all irrational.</p><p>In deference to our duly elected government which is duty bound to serve the interest of the people, history is replete with evidence of governments turning on their people as they use any excuse to justify tyranny. It is the responsibility of the people to hold them to their duty.</p><p>If it can't be done in a civil manner, then justice must be served by the power of the people as stipulated in the U.S. Constitution. No people can hope to defeat a tyrannical power with words alone. The framers of the Constitution knew this firsthand. That is why the original version of the Constitution was amended repeatedly after it was ratified.</p><p>We, the people, are the last stand against tyranny. This condition was established by design in accordance with the laws of nature. There is nothing irrational about self-preservation, and there is no greater honor than that attributed to a patriot.</p><p>J.C. TORRES</p><p>Lakeland</p>